Manhunt after officer injured in Northland

A man who allegedly bashed a Northland police officer is still on the run while the experienced officer recuperates at home.

Police are hunting for 29-year-old Northland man Nathan John Theobold, who allegedly assaulted a police officer leaving him with numerous facial injuries, just after midnight last Friday.

Police are warning members of the public not to approach Theobold, who is considered to be dangerous.

Dargaville police Senior Sergeant Rob Huys said the officer was called to the Kaihu area after reports of a vehicle in suspicious circumstances nearby.

Mr Huys said the officer was assaulted in a forestry block and left with facial injuries. Another police officer was in the area and arrived on scene shortly after the injured officer called for help.

He received three stitches to his face and was released from A&E later the same day.

The specialist armed offenders squad was called to a rural property about 23km north of Dargaville at midday on Friday. However, despite police appealing to the man, they believed was in the house for many hours, he was not inside when they finally searched.

Northland police posted a photo of Theobold on their facebook page yesterday and appealed to the public not to approach him but immediately report any sightings.

Anyone who has information about Theobold can call Dargaville Police on 09 439 3400, or 0800 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.